Mistakes that Must Be Avoided by Any Serious Candidate Success in competitive exams like PCS-J (Judiciary Services) and UPSC Civil Services requires more than just hard work — it demands smart, strategic preparation. Many aspirants make common mistakes that cost them valuable time, energy, and sometimes even their attempt. Here’s a list of critical mistakes every serious candidate must avoid, along with practical solutions to stay on the right track.
1. Duplicacy of Efforts (Mistakes that Must Be Avoided)
Mistake: Reading the same material from different sources without value addition or revising the same easy topics repeatedly but ignoring the tough ones.
Solution:
- Finalize one standard source per subject (for each — law, GS, current affairs).
- Make one master notebook where all crisp notes are compiled.
- Focus on revision cycles (e.g., 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th day method).
- Track progress topic-wise so that weak areas are identified and worked upon, not just “comfort areas.”
2. Inconsistency (Lack of Regularity and Continuity)
Mistake: Sporadic study — long gaps, irregular mock practice, and sudden burnout before exams.
Solution:
- Follow a realistic daily timetable (not over-ambitious).
- Use techniques like Pomodoro (25 min study, 5 min break) to build habit.
- Accountability partner or mentor reporting helps maintain pace.
- Even on low-energy days, revise bare minimum (10–20 mins) to keep momentum.
3. How to Solve PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
Mistake: Treating PYQs as only practice questions rather than a blueprint of examiner’s mindset.
Solution:
- First, analyze trends: What topics are repeatedly asked?
- For Law: Observe which sections of Bare Acts are favorites.
- For GS: See which areas (Polity, Geography, etc.) dominate.
- Solve PYQs topic-wise, not year-wise (for deeper understanding).
- After solving, write model answers and compare with actual answer keys / topper copies if possible.
4. How to Learn Bare Acts (For Judiciary)
Mistake: Blind cramming of provisions without understanding their logic, application, or exceptions.
Solution:
- Read Section + Illustration + Important Case Law together.
- Mark keywords in Bare Act (like intentionally, with consent, within six months, etc.).
- Make flowcharts / mindmaps of chapters (for ex: Contract Act — Offer → Acceptance → Consideration → Void Agreements → Remedies).
- Practice “Section-Recall Tests” — someone asks “What is Sec. 73 of Contract Act?”
— you answer concept + keyword. - Use bare act reading slots (15–20 mins daily) consistently, even during mains prep.
Read more: UP Judiciary Exam 2025–2026 (UP PCS J): Complete Guide for Aspiring Civil Judges
